At $18,877/yr net price, Commonwealth University of Pennsylvania graduates earn $52,416/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $18,416/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $18,877 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $75,508 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $52,416/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$18,416/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 4.1 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 53.0% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $26,000 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $13,799/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $14,068/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $17,711/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $21,110/yr |
| $110,001+ | $23,167/yr |
The Risk Factor
53.0% of students at Commonwealth University of Pennsylvania graduate within 6 years. More than half of students finish, but the dropout rate is a real factor in whether this investment pays off.
Analysis
Commonwealth University of Pennsylvania gives you a middle-of-the-road financial return. At $18,877 a year in net price and $52,416 in median earnings ten years out, you can recover your costs, but the margin is thin and depends heavily on finishing. With a 53% graduation rate, nearly half of you leave without the degree that justifies the debt, which is the single biggest financial risk here.
The $26,000 median debt is manageable against a $52,416 salary, roughly a half-year of pay. That ratio works if you graduate. It does not work if you borrow, drop out, and land in the workforce without the credential. The 74.8% retention rate tells you a quarter of first-year students don't return, so the odds of stalling before finishing are real.
No bachelor-level program earnings are listed, so avoid assuming a specific major here pays off more than another. Judge your own field against the $52,416 median before committing.
The net price tiers reward lower-income families. If your family earns under $48,000, you pay around $14,000 a year. Above $110,000, you pay $23,167, and the earnings ceiling makes that harder to justify. The school is a stronger financial fit for you if you qualify for the lower tiers and are confident you'll graduate on time.
Look elsewhere if you're a high-income family paying the top tier, or if you're unsure you'll finish. The combination of a coin-flip graduation rate and modest earnings means the school pays off best for the committed, budget-conscious student who completes the degree.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Commonwealth University of Pennsylvania worth the cost compared to other state schools?
With graduates earning $52,416 ten years out and typical debt around $26,000, Commonwealth University offers moderate value for a state school. The graduation rate of 53% is concerning and suggests many students don't complete their programs.
What is the return on investment for Commonwealth University of Pennsylvania graduates?
Graduates typically see a reasonable return with median debt of $26,000 and earnings of $52,416 after ten years. However, the low 53% graduation rate means nearly half of students pay tuition without earning a degree.
Which programs at Commonwealth University of Pennsylvania have the best job prospects?
The school's education, business, and health science programs typically lead to stable employment in Pennsylvania. Given the modest overall earnings data, students should research specific program outcomes before enrolling.
How much financial aid does Commonwealth University of Pennsylvania actually provide?
The net price averages $18,877 annually, which represents decent affordability for a state university. Students should apply early for aid, as Pennsylvania's state grant funding often runs out before the academic year begins.